Cop killed trying to help neighbours

A policeman has been shot dead outside his house in Ezakheni, near Ladysmith, after being called to help stop a fight, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Monday.

A neighbour called Constable Sithembiso Sifiso Yende, 38, for help after being attacked by three armed men in B Section, Ezakheni, at 9.30pm on Saturday, said Captain Thulani Zwane.

Yende, who was off-duty at the time, was shot in the chest and neck, and was declared dead at the scene. Zwane said. His firearm was stolen.

“We find the increasing number of attacks on policemen very disturbing and totally unacceptable... Therefore, we condemn any attack directed at them,” community safety MEC Willies Mchunu said in condemning the incident.

Mchunu sent condolences to Yende's family.

“We can assure them that members of the police will work around the clock to ensure that those who are responsible for this murder are brought to book as soon as possible.”